White Lightning Epic Ride Light Lube

White Lightning Epic Ride light lube sounds like a contradiction in terms but the combination of low friction and relative tenacity will win friends among racers, club, audax and even mountain bikers looking for a thin, yet durable lube. Bang on for chains, it also tames squeaky cleat mechanisms, derailleur jockey wheels, pivot points and other metal on metal surfaces. Stoical in the face of wet roads and singletrack, to my surprise it hasn't vanished come the first river crossing and, in these contexts achieved eighty-five miles between applications. That said, an incredibly fluid consistency demands careful management, otherwise tyres and flooring will be the main benefactors.

Epic ride is a semi synthetic blend of petroleum distillates and 'non toxic base oils' which admittedly sounds vague but goes a long way to explaining its remarkable cleanliness. Chain ring calf prints are definitely consigned to history and roadside replenishments can proceed without so much as a wipe-over. By the same token, you'll still need to remove all trace of existing/factory chain-prep before dribbling it slowly and methodically over each link. Unless preparing machine(s) for storage, apply two coats- three for forest frolics or more adventurous riding. The directions suggest suitability for control cables but ours gummed up, demanding roadside WD40 bypass surgery.

Surprisingly, performance is very similar to its dry sibling. Friction is notably absent on ultra sensitive nine/ten speed derailleur configurations, cantering up and down the cassette with remarkable finesse. Tenacious, we've ridden three hours in torrential rain, through waterlogged rural backwaters and partaken in moderate river crossings without the irksome telltale metal on metal abrasion when powering up the climbs. By no means a bad choice for fixed, aside from track duties I'd suggest something thicker during the darker months.

Verdict

Surprisingly effective and very clean three season's lube but needs regular and careful application.